How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some time. It happens more often than most people realize it can be a big trouble.

Fortunately, replacing lost car key with no spare car keys can be relatively simple depending on the type of key you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at the local hardware store if you can provide the VIN number or proof of ownership.

Retract your steps

Losing your car keys is stressful, especially if it happens at a hectic time of day and you need to get somewhere. It's not the end of the world and there are a number of steps you can take to assist you in finding your car key replacement.

You must first retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've visited and taking a look around, both at home and work. This will give you a good idea of where you've seen your keys and could guide you to where they might be.

If you're unable to locate your car keys lost what to do keys after retracing your steps you'll want to call an auto locksmith or a local locksmith to get help. They will be able create a new car keys for you, and also decode your existing locks so that only the key can start the vehicle. They'll also erase the old key out of your vehicle's system, so even if someone does gain access to it the key, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.

Before you contact an expert locksmith or dealer, ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This is the number found on your driver's side dashboard or door and will allow them to know what vehicle you own so that they can design keys that match.

Memory Exercises

You may be tempted to fear losing your car keys however, be calm. This will help you think clearly and search more thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and use the power of your memory to recall the location where you last saw your car keys last. If you are unable to remember where your keys were you were, go back to the steps and search for clues.

If you're unable to solve the problem, contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match your existing security chip. They'll also be able to give you advice on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

In the past, misplacing-or losing-your car keys wasn't a big issue. Contact your local locksmith to obtain a new car key. As cars become more technological as well, so have keys, making them more expensive and difficult to replace. It is essential to have a spare car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in the event that you lose yours.

The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to confirm that the lost key is actually missing. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants, the backseat, and other places that you may not normally look like the inside of your purse or shoe. Also, you should go through your owner's manual and determine if there are special instructions for the kind of key you have for example, how to reset it in the event that it dies.

If you've done everything you can and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time to call an expert to obtain new keys. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional keys, key fobs or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50-$200 to purchase new keys. If you have a conventional key, a locksmith can typically cut a new key and modify it to work with your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's price, which can be as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost keys in car.

For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have your car towed in for them to order a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they will have to pair the new key to your vehicle electronically which can be an expensive and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can get the assistance of an expert if you ever need to!

Check the security system of your car.

It's no secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that help protect the contents of the car from thieves. While these features are usually a good thing however, they can make the car keys more difficult to replace. It's still possible to get keys for replacement for these cars, however the process is more complex and costly. The cost of a new key will vary on the type of vehicle you own. It is important to know this before ordering one.

The classic double-edged car keys can be turned into a spare key at any hardware store or dealership. The cost is typically less than $10 and will work perfectly as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. Modern models of automobiles, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control various aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to turning on and off. The chips have to be programmed using a special device that is only available at certain dealerships.

A locksmith in your area can assist you if you require a spare key for these vehicles. They will need to know the year and model of your vehicle and other details to prove that you're the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Certain locksmiths are able to make these keys onsite which will save you the hassle of going to dealers.

The dealership is the best option if there isn't an extra. They are the most knowledgeable about your specific car and the keys required to start it. It can be expensive and they won't be able to provide roadside assistance.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will show you where your keys are, helping you locate them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!

Get a New Key

Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It can happen in the most inconvenient of times such as at a petrol station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. Although it's easy to find your keys once again, it could be a stressful experience when you don't have a spare set at home or with friends.

Fortunately, there are still options to obtain new keys even if you've lost your original. The process varies depending on the type of key and vehicle.

If you have an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to create a new one immediately. This option is less than $200 and can be done quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership.

You'll need to visit the dealer if you have remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealer will be able locate your information, and will send you the right key for a lower cost than you'd pay a locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able create keys for replacement by using the VIN of your vehicle, so long as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a much cheaper alternative than going to a dealer. However, it may not be possible in the case of a vehicle that is older or expensive.

The best method to avoid losing your keys is having an extra. Keep it in a secure place, like your house, so that you don't need to think about leaving it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. Check your pockets and purses frequently, particularly if you wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Don't forget to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys down there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen if someone drives away in your car.